Newborn Pulse Oximetry Boot for CHD Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulse oximetry sensors are inadequate for newborns due to size incompatibility, requiring adhesives or Velcro for attachment, which are costly, time-consuming, and prone to motion artifacts and signal interference, making it difficult to accurately diagnose congenital heart disease.
Innovation Solution
A pulse oximetry apparatus with a body cavity designed to fit a newborn's hand or foot, featuring sensor pairs with light emitters and detectors, a pressure device, and computer program modules for oxygen saturation and CHD determination, along with a disposable cover to protect the skin and improve signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clip-type pulse oximetry sensors are used on newborns, then oxygen saturation measurement function is achieved, but the sensor cannot fit properly due to size incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components: a body portion housing electronics and a separate sensor tip that contacts the newborn's skin. This segmentation allows the sensor tip to be sized appropriately for newborns while the body portion can accommodate larger electronics, resolving the size incompatibility issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a two-dimensional clip design to a three-dimensional boot-shaped structure that envelops the newborn's foot or hand. This dimensional change provides better fit and stability while maintaining appropriate contact pressure for accurate measurement.
2Reliability
If adhesives or Velcro are used to secure the sensor, then the sensor can be attached to newborns, but costs increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The boot-shaped device utilizes the newborn's own foot or hand to secure the sensor in place through its enveloping design. The device is held firmly by the newborn's limb geometry, eliminating the need for external adhesives or Velcro fasteners, thereby reducing costs while maintaining reliable attachment.
3Reliability
If adhesives or Velcro are used to secure the sensor, then the sensor can be attached to newborns, but the attachment process takes considerable time
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves self-securing through its boot-shaped design that naturally conforms to and is held by the newborn's foot or hand. This eliminates the time-consuming process of applying adhesives or Velcro, allowing rapid attachment during universal newborn screening while maintaining reliable sensor positioning.
4Reliability
If adhesives or Velcro are used to secure the sensor, then the sensor can be attached to newborns, but motion artifacts and signal interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The boot-shaped device is secured by the newborn's own limb, creating a natural, comfortable fit that minimizes movement. This self-securing mechanism reduces motion artifacts and signal interference compared to adhesive or Velcro attachment, while maintaining reliable sensor contact throughout the screening process.
5Measurement precision
If conventional pulse oximetry sensors are used, then oxygen saturation measurement is achieved, but diagnostic accuracy for CHD is reduced due to motion artifacts and signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves stable, artifact-free measurements through self-securing via the newborn's limb geometry. This eliminates motion artifacts and signal interference that plague conventional sensors, thereby improving both measurement precision and diagnostic accuracy for congenital heart disease detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides accurate and efficient detection of oxygen saturation and congenital heart disease in newborns, reducing costs and time, while minimizing motion artifacts and signal interference, thus improving diagnostic accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor detects the differential amounts of red and infrared light that are photoelectrically absorbed by the tissue
Implementation Method 2
The pressure device may be configured to provide a pressure signal conveying information associated with an ambient air pressure in an environment surrounding the apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus configured to detect congenital heart disease (CHD) in newborns may comprise a body with a cavity configured to receive a hand or foot of a newborn. Sensor pairs of the apparatus may be configured scan such that the best signals can be selected, which can accommodate for movements of the newborn and/or facilitate impartialness as to which body part is inserted in the apparatus. Positions of the sensor pairs may be adjusted to ensure contact with the newborn's skin. A disposable cover may protect the newborn's skin from contacting the apparatus. The apparatus may include a pressure device so that CHD threshold values can be adjusted for different altitudes. The apparatus may integrate with electronic medical record (EMR) systems.